Sussex have explained why Tom Haines briefly handed over the captaincy.

The opener appeared to be giving control of his side to Steven Finn during a testing period of the Championship fixture versus Derbyshire yesterday.

Haines had left the field for a spell but, when he returned, he fielded at long-off while Finn talked to the bowlers and set the fields.

Derbyshire were plundering runs with almost embarrassing ease at the time on their way to 551-8 declared, the 19th highest score in their history.

Sussex’s bowling and fielding were well below par during a dispiriting period of play.

A Sussex spokesman said: “It was easier for Finn to manage the field while Tom was on and off and preparing to bat.”

But there was a clear sense of frustration among spectators, one of whom angrily bellowed “Come on!” after a mis-field.

Sussex, winless in four-day cricket since April of last year, lost Haines and fellow opener Ali Orr cheaply in reply.

An undefeated 54 from Mohammad Rizwan helped them close the second day on 124-3, still 409 adrift and with no chance of ending that long wait for a victory.